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Brief Summary

The new FZR SVHO is the upgraded version of the race-proven platform that Yamaha introduced several years ago. What makes this model tick is the new SVHO engine, the next generation of the reliable 1.8L supercharged marine watercraft power package. In addition to the new power, Yamaha has redone the graphics and color scheme, added a new jet pump unit, ride plate and sponsons. This is the exact machine that the race team drives.

Key Features

SVHO supercharged 4-stroke Yamaha marine engine

Telescopic steering

Two-tone custom seat

Reboarding step

Yamaha Engine Management System

Dual cupholders in glovebox

Watertight storage

Command link instrumentation buttons

Specifications

Length Overall

132.7'' 3.37 m

Beam

48.4'' 1.23 m

Dry Weight

827 lbs. 375 kg

Tested Weight

1,073 lbs. 487 kg

Draft

11'' 0.28 m

- Draft Up

N/A

- Draft Down

N/A

- Air Draft

N/A

Deadrise/Transom

N/A

Max Headroom

open

Bridge Clearance

N/A

Weight Capacity

N/A

Person Capacity

N/A

Fuel Capacity

18.5 gal. 70 L

Water Capacity

none

Length on Trailer

N/A

Height on Trailer

N/A

Trailer Weight

N/A

Total Weight(Trailer, Boat, & Engine)

N/A

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

All speeds are measured by a hand held Stalker PRO radar gun and a hand help digital timer, so the human elements is a factor. Temperature, saltwater versus fresh, load, and water conditions are all a factor and the reason why test results may vary.

Performance Chart

Acceleration Times & Test Conditions

Time To Plane

N/A

0 to 30

1.3 sec.

Ratio

N/A

Props

160 mm 3-blade ss impeller

Load

1 person, 1/2 fuel, no water, 5 lbs. of gear

Climate

69 deg., 31 humid.; wind: 0-5 mph; seas: calm

Elevation

310

Captain's Report

The Yamaha FZR SVHO's subtle graphics help to show off the many flowing lines of the forward portion of this PWC.

Overview

In the sport performance PWC category, details matter. In our review of the new FZR we found quite a few major features we would like to point out. First are the color scheme and graphics which blend very well to create a balance of aggressiveness and modern style. Next, the color is not gel-coat, it is high-end automotive paint. We have always been fans of paint over gel-coat for watercraft and boats alike as this adds to the durability and means the color fading that happens with gel-coat is delayed by years.

With a dry weight of 827 lbs. (275 kgs), 1 person onboard, a ½ tank of fuel and 5 lbs. of gear, the FZR had a test weight of 1,073 lbs. (487 kg).

The Engine.

But perhaps most important of all is the "next generation" SVHO 1.8 L supercharged engine. Added to that are a new jet pump unit, ride plate and sponsons. This is the exact machine that the race team drives. (See below for more details.) But there are many more important refinements in the FZR, so let's take a look--

The FZR SVHO incorporates a two-tone color scheme in the Hydroturf deck material which covers the back deck and footwells. This adds a soft foam feel and also provides non-slip traction when wet.

Deck and Seating

The deck and seating are other areas we like to scrutinize, since these are going to take the brunt of the wear and tear. Yamaha has used Hydroturf for years which we have found to keep the deck and footwells from ever being slippery. They also provide a soft comfortable foamy feeling. The seat is what takes the majority of the wear and here Yamaha uses a high-end textured marine vinyl which is slightly thicker than what will be found on most other PWCs. We also like the overall ergonomics with the narrow knee grab area forward, the backrest for the driver and raised passenger area with grab handles.

Ergonomic seating design covered in high-end marine vinyl. All seams are overlapping French stitches to ensure durability. A detail we like is the use of vinyl with different textures.

Instruments

The display is designed to look like a throwback to the muscle car days with simple round, deep-set analog gauges that provide speed, rpm, fuel level with low-fuel warning, low oil pressure warning, hour meter and check engine light with self-diagnostic functions. But let’s be honest, how often are we looking at the gauges on a PWC? There is also a digital display between the two larger gauges.

Display and console of the new Yamaha FZR SVHO.

Storage.

Just above the display is the release button to open the forward storage area which has plenty of room for additional PFD’s, towels, snacks, and lines for a day on the water. There is additional storage aft of the handlebars as well as dry-storage under the aft seat for a total of 21.3 gallons (81 L). Also notice the positioning of the wing mirrors -- they are in close for better visibility and that also prevents them from striking the dock.

A Racing Hull

The hull of the FZR SVHO is often an overlooked detail, but this is actually one of the most important. The design, with its curving elliptical chines on the bow and strakes leading aft of the running surface are what provides the handling and turning performance that the FZR series has become known for. The images on this page demonstrate very well the vehicle's water contact profile as the driver is powering out of a turn. The design also distributes the contact area in a way that provides a relatively softer ride. With more power from the SVHO engine, Yamaha has also added new sponsons to the FZR, for additional control in aggressive turns.

Design of the NanoXcel hull for the FZR SVHO. Side and aft view of the new sponsons for the Yamaha FZR SVHO watercraft. FZR SVHO in competition with the new Super Vortex High Output 1.8L supercharged engine.

Heart of the Beast

It sounds cliché, but the heart of the FZR SVHO really is the engine, and the new Super Vortex High Output 1.8L supercharged 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, purpose-built watercraft engine has several advancements over previous engines. Yamaha tells us the SVHO produces more than 20% more power and torque than its predecessor, the SHO engine. This has been achieved through engineering which includes a larger intercooler, larger supercharger intake, redesigned oil cooler, newly designed forged pistons, and a race-inspired 8-vein 160mm pump impeller. This engine is fed by an 18.5 gallon (70 L) fuel tank tucked up neatly under the forward console, leaving excellent room and access in the engine compartment. For a full report on the SVHO engine -

Redesigned FZR SVHO intake grate is intended to direct more water into the jet pump unit.

New Water Intake

Yamaha has redesigned the intake grate with what it calls a new top loader version intended to increase water flow to the jet pump to increase pump output and efficiency. The jet pump unit has a diameter of 160mm and its 8-vein impeller mounted in a 75mm hub, provides more thrust than the previous pump units. All of the drive components are manufactured from an aluminum alloy and have no painted surfaces, which helps to reduce the threat of corrosion, according to Yamaha.

Yamaha FZR SVHO 160mm 8-vein impeller section with a 75mm hub. The complete transmission unit showing the direct drive shaft from the engine, the intake grate, and the 160mm impeller and nozzle sections. All manufactured from aluminum alloys with no painted surfaces dramatically reduces the threat of corrosion.

Some of the standard features of the FZR SVHO include:• Telescopic steering

• Fastback seat

• Reverse, with Traction Control

• Quick Shift Trim System

• Yamaha Engine Management System

• Reboarding step

• Multifunction instrumentation panel

• Analog meter

• Digital meter

• Security mode

• Remote transmitter

Best cruise for the Yamaha FZR was 26.6 mph at 4000 rpm, giving the boat 6.32 gph. She also reached 30 mph in 1.3 seconds.

Observations

Given the track record of the Yamaha watercraft engines and the 1.8L block, we expect that the FZR SVHO will continue to add to the reliability legacy that Yamaha enjoys. In fact, the vast majority of PWC rental companies choose Yamaha vehicles for their reliability.* Given the FZR's overall quality and design, and it’s improved performance over her predecessors, we feel it is worth the nearly $15k price tag. Our overall impression is that this is a machine that allows all weekend-warriors to feel like they race. *Source, BoatTEST.com 2012 dealer/rental survey

Test Result Highlights

Best cruise for the Yamaha FZR (2014-) is 26.6 mph (42.8 kph), and the boat gets 6.32 miles per gallon (mpg) or 2.69 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 105 miles (168.98 kilometers).